Legal
Everything You Need To Know About The Donnie McClurkin Allegations

Gospel Singer Donnie McClurkin Faces Sexual Abuse Lawsuit; Denies “Categorically False” Allegations
Grammy-winning pastor and former assistant in legal battle over decade-long abuse claims
Gospel music icon and pastor Donnie McClurkin is facing serious allegations in a civil lawsuit that has sent shockwaves through the faith community. The lawsuit, filed January 2, 2026, in New York County Supreme Court, accuses the three-time Grammy winner of sexual abuse spanning nearly a decade .
The Allegations
Giuseppe Corletto, now in his 40s, alleges that McClurkin groomed and sexually abused him beginning in 2003, when Corletto was 21 years old . According to the lawsuit, Corletto first encountered McClurkin at his Perfecting Faith Church in Long Island after reading the pastor’s book about overcoming homosexuality through faith
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The complaint states that during their initial meeting, McClurkin “assured him that [McClurkin] would help deliver him from homosexuality” . Corletto says what began as a mentor-mentee relationship evolved into an employment arrangement as McClurking’s personal assistant
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According to the lawsuit, during this time McClurkin held “pray the gay away” spiritual sessions in which he allegedly “groped” Corletto’s genitals without his consent . The complaint further alleges that McClurkin “coerced him into unwanted sexual acts” over the next six years
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The lawsuit claims McClurkin took Corletto on trips to the Bahamas, California, and Niagara Falls, where the pastor allegedly forced him to perform sexual acts and raped him .
“At first, it was all very innocent and what I thought was mentoring,” Corletto told NBC News. But he now believes he was being groomed from the start .
According to the complaint, Corletto attempted to quit his position several times, but McClurkin refused and told him their “purpose” and “deliverance” were connected . The lawsuit also references an email McClurkin allegedly sent to Corletto apologizing for a prior incident, in which he described himself as “a desperate dirty ‘old man'”
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The lawsuit states that Corletto “struggled to process these incidents of sexual abuse, as [McClurkin] was both his mentor and employer, making it difficult for him to speak out about the abuse he had suffered” . Corletto claims he reported the alleged abuse to church staff members, but “no action was taken”
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Corletto’s Statement
Corletto’s attorney, Thomas Giuffra, said he hopes the lawsuit will provide his client with compensation, closure, and “some measure of justice for what happened to him” .
Giuffra stated that McClurkin “took advantage” of someone who was “confused and had problems accepting his sexuality coupled with his religious beliefs. It’s really very sad” .
Corletto told NBC News that he’s now in a much better place—married and no longer feeling tormented . Finding the alleged apology email, he said, left him feeling “vindicated” and reassured him that he didn’t make it up, especially as he had begun to convince himself otherwise
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McClurkin’s Response
McClurkin, 66, has strongly denied all allegations through his attorney and in a public statement on Instagram.
His attorney, Gregory S. Lisi, called the allegations “categorically false” in a statement released Tuesday, January 7, 2026 .
“At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of Mr. Corletto,” Lisi stated. “The claims set forth in the lawsuit grossly mischaracterize their interactions, which occurred over a decade, and some accusations over 2 decades, ago. All these allegations are contradicted by the real facts” .
On January 7, McClurkin took to Instagram to address the controversy directly, posting: “Although I have NOT yet been SERVED with the official legal complaint, I am proactively cooperating fully with the appropriate processes and will vigorously defend to the fullest against this defamatory and baseless lawsuit. I am confident that when the truth is fully known, I will be vindicated” .
In his statement, McClurkin emphasized his commitment to his faith: “My love for and walk with Christ means everything to me and is deeply sensitive and sacred…I live to please Him… which is why it is essential that the facts be established carefully, responsibly, and fairly” .
He also took issue with suggestions that he would misuse his position of power, stating: “I have always sought to conduct myself with integrity, transparency, godly care, and responsibility in the fulfillment of my Christian life and duties. This accusation of salacious engagement or ANY misconduct that harmed, exploited or took advantage of anyone and misused my position, leadership, or influence in any way in these false accusations is emphatically untrue” .

McClurkin asked his followers to reserve judgment and “trust in God’s timing for the truth to fully come to light.” He also urged followers to “pray for the accuser, as well…seriously and sincerely” .
Legal Framework and Next Steps
The lawsuit is being filed under New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which in 2022 extended the statute of limitations for plaintiffs to sue over sexual abuse allegations . While the two-year window closed in March 2025, parties have in some cases entered into “tolling agreements,” which extend the statute of limitations
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Corletto is seeking unspecified damages in the civil case .
As of this reporting, the case is in its early stages, with McClurkin indicating he has not yet been officially served with the complaint . Both parties have legal representation, and the case will proceed through the New York court system.
Context and Background
McClurkin, best known for gospel hits including “Stand” and “We Fall Down,” rose to fame in 1996 with his self-titled album . He has won Grammy awards in 2004, 2006, and 2010, and serves as senior pastor of Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, Long Island
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The lawsuit notes that McClurkin has often spoken publicly about struggling with same-sex attraction, calling it a result of childhood abuse. He has preached against homosexuality and claimed deliverance through prayer . The lawsuit alleges that his “pray the gay away” sessions were used as a cover for exploitation
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The allegations against McClurkin come amid a broader pattern of abuse cases involving gospel and Christian music leaders. In 2025, Michael Tait of DC Talk and Newsboys faced multiple accusations, and other historical cases have involved gospel figures including James Cleveland .
Moving Forward
As this legal matter unfolds, both parties have called for their perspectives to be heard. The case will proceed through the judicial system, where evidence will be presented and examined.
iPraise Radio will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available. We encourage our listeners to keep both parties in prayer as the legal process moves forward.
Editor’s Note: These are allegations made in a civil lawsuit. Donnie McClurkin has denied all accusations and has not been criminally charged. Under the American legal system, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Legal
Heartbreak in the Gospel Community: Teddy Campbell Files for Divorce from Mary Mary’s Tina Campbell
By iPraiseRadio.com Staff

The gospel music world is sending up prayers for one of its most beloved families today. After more than two decades of marriage, Glendon “Teddy” Campbell has officially filed for divorce from gospel powerhouse Trecina “Tina” Campbell, one half of the legendary duo Mary Mary.
According to legal documents, Teddy filed the paperwork in Los Angeles County on April 13, 2026, citing “irreconcilable differences” +1. The filing reveals that the couple, who tied the knot in August 2000, had been quietly separated since June 2024, meaning they had been living apart for nearly two years before taking this formal step
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For many fans and listeners, the news hits especially hard given the couple’s very public and transparent journey through marital struggles. Years ago, the Campbells bravely shared their story of heartbreak and healing on their reality television show, following Teddy’s admission of infidelity . At the time, Tina chose the difficult path of forgiveness, and the two spent years working to rebuild their marriage through faith, counseling, and transparency. They even released a joint Christmas album in 2021, giving fans hope that their reconciliation was a permanent testament to God’s restorative power
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Despite their profound efforts to save the marriage, the relationship has reached its breaking point. The court documents state that the couple shares two minor children. While Teddy did not request specific custody arrangements, he has asked the court to establish visitation rights and requested that any spousal support issues be determined at a later date .
Tina Campbell has been a pillar of strength and inspiration for millions, using her powerful voice and personal testimonies to uplift others. As she and Teddy navigate this incredibly difficult and painful transition, we ask our iPraiseRadio family to extend grace, respect their privacy, and keep the entire Campbell family—especially their children—lifted in prayer during this season.
…POWERED BY GOSPEL NEWSROOM
Legal
U P D A T E: Chandler Moore Wins Court Victory: Federal Judge Allows Solo Music Release Amid Maverick City Legal Battle
“My dream hasn’t changed. I’m stepping into this next phase ready to share my story and make music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone
Gospel Newsroom | Powered by iPraiseRadio.com
Grammy-winning artist cleared to release “God I’m Just Grateful” while landmark lawsuit continues
In a significant legal victory for Grammy-winning worship artist Chandler Moore, U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Geraghty ruled on February 5, 2026, that Moore can release solo music while his contentious legal dispute with Maverick City Music and TRIBL Records continues in federal court.
The ruling specifically allowed Moore to release his solo single “God I’m Just Grateful” on February 6, 2026, rejecting TRIBL Records’ emergency request to block the release.
The Backstory: A Shocking Departure and Explosive Allegations
The legal drama began unfolding in early October 2025 when Moore, a founding member of the acclaimed worship collective Maverick City Music, filed a bombshell lawsuit in Atlanta federal court on October 1, 2025.
Just five days later, on October 6, 2025, Moore publicly announced his departure from the group he helped establish in 2018, stating on Instagram: “These last two years I’ve been locked in on what really matters…in my life and my career”.

The 30-year-old artist’s lawsuit names several defendants, including:
- Norman Gyamfi (Moore’s former manager and current Maverick City Music CEO)
- Maverick City Music, Inc.
- TRIBL Records
- Insignia Holding Company and related entities
The Allegations: Fraud, Forgery, and Millions in Missing Royalties
According to the lawsuit, Moore alleges that Gyamfi, who served as his personal manager from 2020 to 2023 before becoming Maverick City’s CEO, systematically abused his position of trust.
The complaint details several serious allegations:
Forged Signatures: Moore claims Gyamfi electronically forged his signature on a critical publishing agreement dated January 11, 2022, with Sony Music Entertainment, which transferred Moore’s publishing rights to The Orchard (a Sony entity) and granted Maverick City Music power of attorney over his work.
Diverted Royalties: The lawsuit alleges that in 2022, Gyamfi instructed Essential Music Publishing (Sony’s Christian music division) to redirect all of Moore’s songwriting royalties directly to Maverick City Music instead of to Moore personally.
Secret Ownership Deals: Moore claims he introduced Gyamfi to Maverick City Music in 2020, unaware that Gyamfi was secretly negotiating to become a co-owner of the collective behind his back.
Unpaid Royalties: According to a 2024 production deal, Moore agreed to deliver an album, 40 tour dates, and 12 new compositions in exchange for $1.75 million in advances and a 15% ownership stake in Maverick City Music. Moore claims he fulfilled his obligations but never received accurate royalty statements or full payment, with more than $800,000 allegedly withheld.
Master Recordings Sale: The lawsuit also alleges that Gyamfi sold Maverick City Music’s masters to Sony Music without Moore’s knowledge or consent.
Moore’s attorney, Sam Lipshie of Bradley Arant law firm, stated: “We are fully committed to helping Chandler recover what is rightfully his and assist him in moving forward freely to continue building the even-brighter, impactful career that lies ahead for him”.
Maverick City’s Response: Strong Denials and Counterclaims
Maverick City Music and its leadership have vehemently denied the allegations. Co-founder Jonathan Jay released a forceful statement on Instagram declaring: “To be clear: the claims being made against me, against Norman, and against our companies are categorically false. These aren’t misunderstandings. These are calculated attempts to strong-arm a way out of agreements Chandler made freely and later breached”.
Jay described Maverick City’s business dealings with Moore as “forthright, generous, and above reproach,” adding that the organization “acted in good faith” and “consistently extended grace”.
In their legal response, Maverick City filed counterclaims alleging that Moore failed to fulfill his contractual obligations and violated the contract’s morality clause, claiming that “Maverick City was repeatedly informed Moore had affairs or engaged in extramarital sexual acts and Maverick City suffered reputational damages as a result”.
The Recent Court Ruling: A Win for Creative Freedom
The February 5, 2026, hearing before Judge Geraghty centered on TRIBL Records’ emergency motion to prevent Moore from releasing new music.
TRIBL argued that Moore had not fulfilled his contractual commitment to deliver 10 songs to the label. However, Judge Geraghty found the matter unclear, noting that while Moore recorded 11 songs in 2024, only eight were ultimately included on his album “Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles”.
During the Thursday Zoom hearing, Judge Geraghty stated: “I find that TRIBL has not shown at this early stage that the imminent release of ‘God I’m Just Grateful’ would breach the contract. I simply don’t think that the case is quite as simple as TRIBL would make it”.
The judge emphasized that to win an injunction, a party must demonstrate they are “more likely than not to succeed on the merits” — a threshold TRIBL failed to meet given the uncertainties surrounding the case.
Judge Geraghty cautioned that her decision could change as the case progresses and “certainly swing the other way going forward depending on what the evidence shows.” She urged both parties to engage in settlement discussions.
Following the ruling, Moore’s attorney Chad Elder told Billboard: “Chandler Moore is grateful for the court’s ruling, which denied the defendants’ efforts to prevent him from doing what he loves, providing for his family, and inspiring others”.
Additional Legal Complications: RICO Allegations
The Maverick City legal saga has expanded beyond Moore’s lawsuit. Tony Brown, another co-founder of Maverick City Music, filed his own lawsuit in 2024 alleging that Gyamfi and Insignia failed to complete promised buyout payments from a 2023 deal.
Brown later added explosive racketeering claims under Georgia’s RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act, alleging he was coerced into an unfavorable buyout agreement through threats of “character assassination” and financial ruin.
Maverick City has countersued Brown, claiming he violated a non-compete clause by launching a new Christian music project called “God Aura”.
What Happens Next?
As of mid-February 2026, the legal battle remains far from resolved. Here’s what lies ahead:
Ongoing Litigation: The civil fraud case between Moore and Maverick City/TRIBL continues in Atlanta federal court, with both sides filing motions and counterclaims.
Discovery Process: Both parties will engage in the discovery phase, where evidence, documents, and depositions will be exchanged to build their respective cases.
Potential Settlement: Judge Geraghty has encouraged the parties to pursue settlement discussions, though no indication exists that either side is willing to compromise at this stage.
Moore’s Solo Career: With legal clearance secured, Moore is actively moving forward with independent musical projects. While no official release dates beyond “God I’m Just Grateful” have been announced, the ruling removes a significant barrier to his creative work.
Additional Hearings: Court filings show continued activity in the case through February 2026, with multiple motions pending before Judge Geraghty.
Parallel Cases: The separate lawsuits involving Tony Brown and the RICO allegations will proceed independently but could impact the broader legal landscape surrounding Maverick City Music.
Industry Impact and Broader Implications
This legal dispute has sent shockwaves through the Christian and gospel music community, raising critical questions about artist rights, management ethics, and financial transparency in the faith-based music industry.
The case has also prompted discussions about:
- The power dynamics between artists and management in Christian music
- The importance of independent legal counsel for artists entering contracts
- The need for greater financial accountability in gospel music collectives
Notably, fellow Maverick City founding member Naomi Raine also announced her departure from the group on the same day as Moore, though she did not file legal action.
Moving Forward
For Moore, the February court ruling represents more than just a legal victory — it’s a vindication of his right to continue his calling as a worship leader and artist. In his October 2025 departure statement, Moore wrote: “My dream hasn’t changed. I’m stepping into this next phase ready to share my story and make music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone”.
As the legal proceedings continue through 2026, the Christian music community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings justice, healing, and clarity to all parties involved.
Gospel Newsroom will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
For more gospel music news and updates, visit iPraiseRadio.com
About Chandler Moore: A five-time Grammy Award winner, Chandler Moore was a founding member of Maverick City Music (established 2018) and is known for worship hits including “Jireh” and “Promises.” He currently serves as a worship leader at Church of The Nations in Texas.
About Maverick City Music: Founded in 2018, the Atlanta-based worship collective has won five Grammy Awards and revolutionized contemporary Christian worship music with its collaborative, diverse approach to songwriting and performance.
Legal
Judge Rules in COGIC vs. Moses Tyson, Jr. Defamation Case: What You Need to Know
Western District of Tennessee granted a preliminary injunction against Tyson
By iPraiseRadio.com Staff Powered by @GospelNewsroom on YouTube
A federal judge has issued a significant ruling in the ongoing legal battle between the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and gospel musician Moses Tyson, Jr., ordering the artist to halt what the court described as a campaign of defamatory statements against the denomination and its leadership.
The ruling marks a major development in a case that has captured the attention of the gospel community, centering on allegations of fraud, theft, and misconduct that have played out publicly on social media and online platforms.
The Judge’s Ruling
On Monday, February 2, 2026, U.S. District Judge Mark Norris of the Western District of Tennessee granted a preliminary injunction against Tyson . The order prohibits him from “publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating any further defamatory statements” about COGIC, specifically barring him from repeating accusations of “thieves,” “grand theft,” “elder abuse,” and “fraud”
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In his decision, Judge Norris stated that the court found “no evidence” to support Tyson’s claims and noted that his actions likely met the standard of “actual malice”—meaning the statements were made with knowledge that they were false or with reckless disregard for the truth +1.
The court’s order does not prevent Tyson from engaging in legitimate theological debate or criticism but is specifically aimed at stopping the spread of “demonstrably false allegations” that have caused reputational and financial harm to the church .

How Did We Get Here?
The dispute began in August 2025, when Tyson—a well-known organist and former COGIC member—started making serious public accusations against the church and its leadership, including Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard .
Through a series of YouTube interviews, podcasts, and mass emails, Tyson alleged that church leaders had “ripped off” over $600,000, illegally seized church properties, and removed pastors without cause . He also accused leadership of “elder abuse” and “grand theft”
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In response, COGIC filed a $500,000 defamation lawsuit in October 2025, arguing that Tyson’s “reckless falsehoods” were damaging the church’s reputation and had even led to a decline in charitable giving +1. The church’s legal team emphasized that while they respect free speech, “it is not a license to knowingly spread false accusations”
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What’s Next?
The preliminary injunction will remain in effect as the lawsuit moves forward in federal court . This means Tyson is legally barred from repeating the specific allegations in question while the case proceeds toward a final resolution or trial.
COGIC’s Presiding Bishop Sheard expressed relief at the ruling, stating, “This case has had a negative impact on our denomination, and I’m grateful that the judge saw the need to provide this injunction” .
Tyson’s legal team has indicated that he stands by his actions, though he has not yet filed a formal response to the emergency motion that led to this week’s ruling +1.
For more in-depth coverage and analysis of this story, be sure to check out @GospelNewsroom on YouTube.
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